Vikings: Jamarca Sanford, Charlie Johnson good to go again

Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz blows over Vikings strong safety Jamarca Sanford for a first down in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, on Monday, October 21, 2013. (Pioneer Press: Ben Garvin)

Three days of rest should help the Vikings pare down their injured list as several players returned to practice Monday and declared themselves fit for duty.

Safety Jamarca Sanford (groin) and left guard Charlie Johnson (right elbow) were confident they would be able to play in Sunday's game at Seattle. Sanford missed the past two games, while Johnson was sidelined for the first time in 2-1/2 seasons with Minnesota in Thursday's 37-24 victory over the Redskins.

"It's terrible," Johnson said about not playing. "It's been a while since I've had to do that. You feel happy for your team and for the guys up front. You just wish you're with them. Should be back (Sunday) barring any setbacks."

Sanford said he was "ready to go."

Cornerback Chris Cook (hip), also sidelined the past two games, participated in Monday's abbreviated workout as the Vikings returned from a long weekend off. So did tight end Rhett Ellison (ankle), who has been limited to just four games because of injuries.

"We'll get together on Wednesday and talk about those guys in detail, who's available, who's not," coach Leslie Frazier said. "There's some moving parts with some of them."

Right tackle Phil Loadholt has not been cleared to resume practicing after suffering a concussion Nov. 4 at Dallas. There also is no timetable for nose tackle Fred Evans (knee), whose absence allowed Kevin Williams (2-1/2 sacks) and rookie Sharrif Floyd to thrive as a tandem on the defensive line against Washington.

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Meanwhile, tight end Kyle Rudolph ditched his crutches and is in a walking boot as he recovers from a fractured left foot, also suffered at Dallas. He remains on schedule to return in 3-5 weeks.